Imagine carb-less bread that's light, fluffy, and airy, with a soft, sponge-like consistency. Cloud bread is a low-carb alternative to traditional bread. While it doesn't have the chewiness and density of regular bread, its neutral taste makes it a versatile base for various toppings and spreads. This article explores a simple keto cloud bread recipe using just three ingredients, offering a satisfying option for those on low-carb or keto diets.
What is Cloud Bread?
Keto cloud bread, also known as oopsie bread or air bread, is a keto-friendly bread alternative. It's a grain-free and gluten-free bread option that's low in carbs, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
The Allure of 3-Ingredient Cloud Bread
The beauty of cloud bread lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a bread alternative that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. It's quick to make, often ready in about 35 minutes, making it a convenient option for those craving bread without the carbs.
Core Ingredients
This no-carb cloud bread recipe contains 3g fat and almost no carbs, making it an ideal bread option for a low-carb diet or keto lifestyle. The basic recipe involves eggs, cream cheese, and cream of tartar.
- Eggs: Both egg yolks and whites are essential. The whites, when whipped to stiff peaks, create the signature fluffy texture. Separate the whites carefully, ensuring no yolk contaminates them.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a sturdy, fat-rich base. Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for a smooth texture. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or coconut cream can be used as dairy-free alternatives.
- Cream of Tartar: This dry, acidic powder stabilizes the egg whites as they whip, adding to the bread's fluffiness. Baking powder can be used as a substitute.
Optional additions include salt and sweetener. Some prefer the bread without any sweetener, while others add honey or stevia.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here’s how to make cloud bread with cream cheese, eggs & cream of tartar (or baking powder):
- Preheat the oven: to 300°F (150°C). Place parchment-lined baking sheets in the oven to preheat.
- Separate eggs: Carefully separate egg yolks and whites into 2 different bowls.
- Mix egg yolks and cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add egg yolks (and optional salt and/or sweetener), beating until combined.
- Whip egg whites: To the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and cream of tartar. Whip with a whisk attachment on high speed until stiff peaks form. You can also whip using a hand mixer.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the yolk mixture into whipped whites with a spatula, just barely mixing to combine, until you have a cohesive, pale-yellow mixture. Don’t overmix, as you want the meringue mixture to stay fluffy.
- Shape the bread: Carefully remove pans from the oven. Spoon dollops of mixture onto preheated pans, using the back of a spoon (or a spatula) to flatten them out slightly and form your bread “rounds.” Aim for circles that are 4-5 inches across and about ¾ of an inch tall. Leave some space between rounds.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes at 300°F (150°C), until firm.
- Cool: Remove from oven once firmed up and lightly golden brown. The center should NOT be soft or jiggly-they should be set and cooked through completely. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying, or transfer to a large plastic bag or airtight container to store.
Tips for Perfection
- Stiff Peaks: The egg whites must be whipped to firm, stiff peaks for the bread to bake properly. A stand mixer with a whisk attachment is recommended.
- Gentle Folding: Overmixing can result in flat meringue. Handle the batter with care.
- Oven Temperature: Baking cloud bread requires a lower oven temperature than traditional bread.
- Room Temperature Egg Whites: Make sure to use room-temperature egg whites if possible. You can separate the egg yolks from the egg whites while the eggs are cold and then let the egg whites sit out at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Clean Bowl: It is very important to make sure the bowl that you are mixing the meringue in is free of oil and fats, so rinse it out really well and dry it well before starting.
Troubleshooting
- Eggy Taste: If the cloud bread tastes too eggy, it’s likely due to overmixing the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites. Adding seasonings can help balance the flavor.
- Flat Bread: Cloud bread can go flat if you over-beat the egg whites or over-mix the egg, cream of tartar, and cream cheese mixture.
- Golden Exterior: If your oven is too hot the exterior will get golden before it cooks all the way in the middle. Your oven may be out of calibration, meaning it isn’t registering the same heat as it is set to. You can just continue baking it. The inside should be completely dry, light, and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Cloud bread is a blank canvas, ready to absorb flavors from your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy it with butter or cheese.
- Use it as a sandwich bread substitute with your favorite fillings.
- Try it as a base for mini pizzas.
- Serve it alongside soups or stews.
Storage
The texture of no-carb cloud bread is best when eaten within 12 hours of baking. To store for later, allow it to cool, then transfer to a plastic bag or airtight container. Stored at room temperature, cloud bread will last for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each piece.
A Keto and Carnivore-Friendly Option
This keto bread recipe is perfect for those who follow a keto diet, and even for those who follow a carnivore diet!
The Taste of Cloud Bread
Cloud bread has a fairly neutral taste, often compared to sourdough bread, which makes it versatile. It can take on the flavor of added seasonings. While it doesn't taste like regular bread, it's a satisfying alternative for those avoiding carbs.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto